Treaty rights began with the signers, and continue on into the future. Canada received its treaty benefits, and continues to do so – use of land, lakes, rivers, natural resources. Canada will benefit from the treaties made with Indigenous Peoples far into the future.

The federal government is responsible for funding elementary, secondary and post-secondary First Nations education in Canada under the treaties. In contrast, the provinces fund public schools.

The funding formula for First Nations schools was created in 1988. It has not been revised or indexed to the cost of living since 1996. It ignores the following costs:

the integration of technology

school libraries

vocational training in secondary schools

extracurricular sports and recreational activities

implementing provincial educational reforms, which are required of First Nations schools

These are costs that provinces provide their schools – the schools for the majority of Canada’s population.

This disparity in funding has led to difficulties for First Nations in providing competitive salaries and working conditions for their teachers, and put band councils in the position of deciding between vital services and deciding where to make budget cuts, so that their children can have a good education.

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Using a reconciliation framework that respectfully engages First Nation and non-Aboriginal peoples, the Caring Society provides high quality resources to support First Nations communities to empower children, youth and families. The award-winning Caring Society is proud to work with our partners in Canada and around the world to promote the rights of Indigenous children, youth and families.

Quaker Peace Testimony is based on our belief that there is that of God in everyone. We cannot have peace without justice. QAAC believes Aboriginal Peoples in Canada do not have justice. The Quaker Aboriginal Affairs Committee believes that Friends need to develop and nurture relationships of trust and mutual respect between ourselves, others in Canada, and the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada.

Shannen Koostachin of Attawapiskat First Nation had a dream – safe and comfy schools and culturally based education for First Nations children and youth. She worked tirelessly to try to convince the federal government to give First Nations children a proper education before tragically passing away at the age of 15 years old in 2010. Now it is our turn to carry her dream forward.